Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Job Description

Position Purpose

The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) provides professional counseling services to students to support their social, emotional, behavioral, and academic development. The LPC works collaboratively with students, parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and other school personnel to identify student needs and provide appropriate counseling, intervention, and support services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide individual and/or group counseling to students addressing social, emotional, behavioral, and academic concerns.
• Conduct counseling assessments and develop appropriate counseling goals and intervention strategies.
• Provide crisis intervention and respond appropriately to students experiencing emotional or behavioral crises.
• Assist students with coping skills, decision-making, problem-solving, conflict resolution, stress management, and social-emotional development.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents/guardians, and other professionals regarding student needs and appropriate interventions.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, including MTSS, student support, and other intervention meetings as appropriate.
• Assist in identifying students who may benefit from additional mental health or community-based services.
• Make referrals to outside mental health agencies and other community resources when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, confidential counseling records and documentation in accordance with district policies and applicable laws.
• Monitor student progress and adjust counseling interventions as needed.
• Provide consultation and support to teachers and staff regarding student social-emotional and behavioral concerns.
• Assist with prevention and education programs addressing topics such as mental health, bullying, substance abuse, suicide prevention, healthy relationships, and coping skills.
• Communicate effectively with parents/guardians while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Follow all applicable federal and state laws, professional ethical standards, and district policies governing counseling and student services.
• Maintain professional licensure and complete required continuing education.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator.

Qualifications

Required:

• Current Texas Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license issued by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC).
• Master's degree or higher in Counseling, Psychology, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge of professional counseling practices, ethical standards, and applicable laws.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and community agencies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

Preferred:

• Experience providing counseling services to children or adolescents.
• Experience working in a public school or educational setting.
• Experience working with students experiencing behavioral, emotional, or academic difficulties.
• Knowledge of MTSS, special education, 504, and other student-support systems.

Knowledge and Skills

• Child and adolescent development
• Mental health and behavioral health practices
• Individual and group counseling techniques
• Crisis intervention
• Social-emotional learning
• Trauma-informed practices
• Confidentiality and professional ethics
• Community mental health resources
• Effective communication and collaboration
• Documentation and case management

Working Conditions

The LPC works primarily in a school environment and may work with students individually, in small groups, or in classroom settings. The position may involve responding to students experiencing emotional or behavioral crises. The employee must be able to maintain a professional and supportive environment while managing confidential and sensitive information.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the policies and procedures of the school district and applicable professional standards.

Note: The LPC position is intended to provide professional counseling and mental health services within the school setting. The position should not be used to replace responsibilities assigned by law or district policy to school counselors, diagnosticians, psychologists, special education personnel, or other licensed professionals.